Now, experiencing the calming scent of relaxing candles after a hectic day and letting its aroma cocoon you in serenity, may just have to be one of the most rewarding self-care practices.
The act of igniting a candle, eagerly anticipating its therapeutic effects, is not only uplifting but also visually reassuring as the gentle glow takes over.
The following is a curated list of the best calming candles to indulge in, with the purest, most effective essential oils, proven to soothe the mind. With their healing properties, you may just discover the perfect companion to enhance your pampering or night time ritual, to help you reflect, relax and unwind.
1
Neom - Perfect night’s sleep
Brand: Neom Organics
Price: £37
Size: 185g
Scent: Lavender, sweet Basil and Jasmine
Burn time: 35hrs
Wax: Vegetable wax
Oil type: Essential oils
Whether you want to try aromatherapy as an aid in drifting off to a perfect night’s sleep, or you routinely use relaxing essential oils as part of your bedtime rituals, this candle might be considered a homely, loving friend perched on your bedside table as you retire for the night.
This impeccable offering by well-being masters Neom Organics features a wonderful three-way marriage (if that’s a thing!) of Lavender, Sweet Basil and Jasmin. To me, it feels like being cradled in a squashy lavender cloud and surrendering to a blanket of deep, blissful rest.
2
This Works Deep Sleep Heavenly Candle
Brand: This Works
Price: £20.80
Size: 220g
Scent: Lavender, Chamomile, Vetiver
Burn time: 40 hrs
Wax: Vegetable wax blend
Oil type: Essential oils
Looking for a weapons grade, therapy grade, sleep inducing scented candle? This one has to be up there. With high concentrations of linalool in lavender, a compound known to calm an overactive mind, this blend partners with another equally calming plant known to be a mild tranquilizer, chamomile.
Along with the fusion of the soothing woody notes of Vetiver, this formula seamlessly and effectively works in transforming your energy into restful, peaceful, and sleepy. The fragrance itself is what I would call divine.
If you can imagine that deep, complex soothing scent that effortlessly relaxes you into a state of bliss, whilst cosied up on a fluffy bed (made mostly of clouds, obviously!), this could be one of those scents. Give it 20 minutes to allow the wax to pool and release the fragrance. The longer the better.
This Works, a brand who are dedicated to giving you evidence based, science backed blends that positively impact your quality of sleep, ensures their formulas do indeed work. They create naturally derived ‘Superblend’ products at therapeutic levels. Hence the Chamomile AND the Lavender!
They have even invested in clinical trials using functional MRI (fMRI) brain imaging studies where they investigate changes in the brain when the participant is subjected to This Works products. And at the fair price of £26 (RRP), it’s worth giving this a go if you fancy hitting the sack hard, wearing a sleepy smile.
3
The White Company Sleep Signature Candle
Brand: The White Company
Price: £30
Size: 140g
Scent: Clary Sage, Lavender, Chamomile
Burn time: 33 hrs
Wax: Mineral wax
Oil type: Essential oils
If you want to effortlessly slide into sleepy, almost sedative vibes, The White Company’s inspiring blend of Lavender, known for its highest concentration of Linalool, Clary sage and Chamomile, may transport you to this state of rest, no questions asked!
Sleep Signature is also infused with Cedarwood and calming Vetivert essential oil to ensure the captivating blend is as soothing and restorative as possible. I think this fragrance falls into the sublime category and I relish the thought of lighting it after a busy day.
3
Boy Smells – Purple Kush
Brand: Boy Smells
Price: £44.95
Size: 240g
Scent: Cannabis, Jasmine, Lavender, Violet, Sandalwood
Burn time: 50 hrs
Wax: Coconut and beeswax blend
Oil Type: Essential/ fragrance oil blend
There are many Kush varieties (Kush – a variety of cannabis plant) and the Purple Kush is just flawless in its offerings. The combination of the purple hue, so visual and mesmerising, with the divine, utterly calming fragrance really made this particular candle stand out.
In fact, the fragrance had me gushing with happiness to the point where I wanted to lay there, engulfed in its serenity, for as long as possible! (A little inconvenient when I had things to do.) Purple Kush boasts ingredients proven to soothe and relax such as sandalwood, lavender, and cannabis flower. But it’s also the amorous whispers of violet and suede that elevate this fragrance to higher realms.
Boy Smells, the California based designer duo brand is everywhere at the moment. Their refreshing take on gender fluidity in candle scents, challenging conventional notions of masculinity, has resulted in quirky, smoky, altogether beautiful creations.
Sometimes a wonderful thing grows on you. Sometimes, its effects are instant. For me, the Purple Kush falls into the latter. And if you know where I’m coming from, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Purple Kush a place in your home.
4
Holistic London Neroli and Chamomile
Brand: Holistic London
Price: £26
Size: 180mL
Scent: Neroli, Chamomile
Burn Time: 40 hrs
Wax: Soy wax
Oil Type: Essential oils
In this blend, the scent of Neroli oil is floral and citrusy and its benefits include helping you beat stress and insomnia. Partnered with Chamomile, a heavyweight relaxing essential oil, this marriage is made in sleepy heaven. You can rest assured the wax burns evenly, no trouble lighting this little beauty, and the scent throw is powerful and divine.
I had this in my lounge and would light it after a long day. Even with all the interesting whiffs seeping around the house, with cooking and moist football kits, this scent would permeate much needed calm. To continue the self-care, I would use it in the bedroom too for effective bedtime aromatherapy.
Holistic London have fast become one of the leaders in hand-crafted, clean, safe, all-natural candles and the combination of their powerful scents helps ignite the need for a bit of self-care. Like, immediately!
5
L’Occitane relaxing candle
Brand: L’Occitane
Price: £22.50
Size: 140g
Scent: French lavender, mandarin, geranium
Wax: Vegetable wax
Oil Type: Essential oils
If you’re after a sublime, intricate bit of aromatherapy, the clever intertwining of French lavender with citrus and geranium will certainly help you fall deep into relaxation mode. In fact, its French name means ‘cocoon of serenity’. It’s a beautiful blend that I seem to be a sucker for!
Fans have even attributed this powerful blend to a good night’s sleep when lit a couple of hours beforehand to let the wax pool. The aroma is not only exquisitely soothing but long lasting too.
L’Occitane have long been advocates for our wellbeing with sustainability, nature, research and gender equality at the heart of their ethics.
6
Vallente lavender
Brand: Vallente
Price: £12.40
Size: 150g
Scent: Pure lavender
Burn Time: 40 hrs
Wax type: Soy
Oil type: Essential oils
If you want an instant hit of lavender, this pure lavender candle by excellent brand Vallent will be your new best friend. The wax is generously poured all the way to the top of the glass jar and within a couple of minutes the fragrance is released with conviction.
The distinct smell of lavender is light and subtly sweet with floral notes gracefully filling your surroundings. With a high percentage of Linalool the compound responsible for reduced tension and anxiety, you will notice your mood improve.